Earning a legal degree is both challenging and rewarding. Law school is rigorous and requires a great deal of dedication, discipline, and perseverance. To succeed, students must master complex legal concepts, develop strong analytical thinking, and refine their persuasive writing skills. While the journey to becoming a lawyer of any specialty is demanding, there are many resources available to support students in their academic pursuits, including pre-law advisors, topical study guides, mentorship programs, and prep courses. Some resources may be provided through a college program, but others can be found for free online. For students interested in pursuing a legal degree, success can be achieved through thorough preparation, strong academic credentials, a satisfactory or above-average Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score, and a competitive application.
Maintain Good Grades
A strong academic record is one of the most critical factors weighed when a student is applying to law school. Admissions officers, directors, and committees consider an applicant's undergraduate GPA to be a key indicator of their ability to handle the rigorous coursework of a legal education. Choosing and successfully completing challenging undergraduate courses, particularly those that emphasize critical thinking, writing, and analysis, can demonstrate academic ability and position you as a strong candidate for admission into law school.
Developing strong study habits, including effective time management, organizational skills, and disciplined study schedules, can help students perform to the best of their ability. Seeking academic support, including professional or peer tutoring services, study groups, and guidance from professors, can enhance comprehension of difficult subjects and reinforce especially challenging material.
Get Involved in Meaningful Extracurricular Activities
Engaging in extracurricular activities, including holding leadership positions in student organizations, debate teams, or pre-law societies, can strengthen an application while demonstrating a commitment to law-related interests. Being actively engaged in extracurriculars can also be indicative of good time management skills and a strong work ethic. Activities outside of coursework can also help to enhance an applicant's personal narrative, helping them to stand out from their peers. Activities that are not directly related to law, such as community service, social activism, cultural organizations, and athletics, all work to offer those who are reviewing your law school application a clearer picture of who you are.
Top Extracurriculars to Boost Pre-Law Students' ApplicationsExtracurriculars Matter to You and to Colleges
Research Law Schools
Choosing the right law schools to apply to requires thoughtful and thorough research, as each school and program is unique in what it can offer accepted students interested in pursuing a career in practicing law after graduation. Finding a program that aligns with your academic and career goals can open the door to great possibilities and unique learning opportunities. When deciding which law schools you might want to apply to, it's important to consider accreditation and reputation. Ensuring that the law school is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and assessing its ranking and reputation in legal education can help in making an informed decision that will support a successful career. Considering specializations and programs is also essential, as some law schools are respected for their strengths in specific legal fields, such as constitutional law, business law, or environmental law.
Location and cost are also critical factors to be considered. Tuition fees, cost of living, and potential scholarship opportunities must be evaluated to assess the financial feasibility of a program. Researching bar exam passage rates and employment outcomes provides even greater insight into a school's effectiveness in preparing students for legal careers. To get a better sense of a school's culture and available support services, prospective students should attend law school fairs, visit campus, and speak with current students, peer mentors, and alumni.
Prepare for and Take the LSAT
The LSAT is a crucial component of law school admissions. This test is designed to assess an applicant's reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking skills. A strong LSAT score can be a significant help for a potential law school student. To do well on this exam, start by understanding its format; it includes logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and an unscored writing section.
Creating a study schedule specifically for the LSAT that allocates several months to consistent test prep, breaking down practice sessions into manageable increments, can significantly help improve performance. Using official test prep materials provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), including practice tests, study guides, and online resources, ensures familiarity with the test structure. For additional guidance, enrolling in a formal LSAT prep course or hiring a tutor can provide structured strategies and support.
Submit Applications for Law School
Once the research and preparation phases are complete, submitting a strong law school application is the final step. Law school applications generally require several key components, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, a résumé, official transcripts, and LSAT scores. These materials are packaged and submitted for consideration through the LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS), and each component serves a different purpose. A well-crafted personal statement explains why the applicant wants to pursue law and highlights personal experiences, motivations, and career goals. Strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors can form a clearer picture of an applicant's academic abilities and character. A résumé that highlights academic achievements, work experience, internships, volunteer work, and leadership roles can further strengthen an application. Many law schools offer rolling admissions, so plan to apply early; this can improve the odds of acceptance and scholarship consideration.
